The variety of older backpackers is rising as folks dwell longer, and extra mature women and men are launched to the game. Whereas I’m nonetheless a vigorous 65-year-old hiker and backpacker, there are age-related gear modifications that my friends and I want gear producers would make to their merchandise. There’s precedent for this. Lately, corporations akin to Gregory Packs, REI, Osprey, and so forth. have expanded the sizing of their gear and clothes to be extra inclusive of taller and shorter folks, and folks with bigger waistlines. Along with elevated gross sales, serving underserved populations is a good way to construct lasting model loyalty and win underserved market segments.
AI Evaluation of Older Hiker and Backpacker Wants
What bodily challenges do older hikers and backpackers face, and what varieties of latest merchandise or product modifications could possibly be developed to handle them? To reply this query, I carried out an information evaluation with Viola AI, which is a wonderful device for analyzing disparate textual content and video sources to determine person traits and desires. I used to do this sort of evaluation as a product supervisor by interviewing folks, lots of people, and whereas nonetheless indispensable, having the ability to interactively course of a considerable amount of on-line content material utilizing Viola AI to evaluate person wants is mind-blowing.
Content material Sources
I didn’t inform Viola AI what content material sources to pick for this evaluation, so I requested it what sources it used. These sources could possibly be expanded in the event you needed to run your individual evaluation.
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- Out of doors Neighborhood Boards and Person Suggestions
- Reddit (r/Ultralight, r/SeniorHikers, r/Backpacking)
Lively discussions the place older hikers share gear challenges, preferences, and modifications. - Backpacking Gentle Discussion board
Person-generated critiques and expertise reviews, together with posts from senior backpackers. - Trailspace
Person critiques and Q&A specializing in consolation and accessibility in gear use.
- Out of doors Retailer and Producer Publications
- REI Co-op Journal
Professional articles, purchaser guides, and person tales emphasizing consolation and accessibility. - Out of doors Analysis, Osprey, MSR, Therm-a-Relaxation, Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Product specs and design rationales highlighting ergonomic options geared toward various person teams. - Patagonia and Columbia Sportswear
Technical particulars on supplies and layering programs appropriate for growing older hikers.
- Ergonomics and Accessibility Analysis
- Human Elements and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
Research on product usability for customers with decreased dexterity or mobility. - Occupational Remedy Journals (e.g., American Journal of Occupational Remedy)
Analysis on adaptive gear for seniors participating in bodily actions. - Nationwide Institute on Ageing (NIA)
Steering on bodily capabilities and limitations in older adults.
- Bodily Remedy and Geriatric Well being Literature
- Books and Articles on Ageing and Mobility
Examples embody “Geriatric Bodily Remedy” by Pamela M. Stein and “Train in Ageing” journals. - Analysis on Arthritis and Joint Well being
Insights into how joint ache impacts gear interplay and what diversifications can assist.
- Out of doors Gear Critiques & Professional Blogs
- SectionHiker
In-depth gear critiques with consideration to consolation and ease-of-use for older adults. - The Trek Out of doors Journal
Articles discussing modifications and equipment traits for senior hikers. - Switchback Journey
Critiques specializing in light-weight, ergonomic gear choices.
- Medical Gadget and Assistive Know-how Sources
- Assistive Know-how Trade Affiliation (ATIA)
Requirements and greatest practices for units aiding mobility and each day duties. - Client Reviews on Medical Aids
Evaluations of merchandise like compression clothes, orthopedic helps, and so forth.
- Security & Emergency Preparedness Sources
- American Pink Cross Wilderness & Distant First Help Manuals
Suggestions for first help kits and emergency preparedness tailor-made to older hikers. - Search & Rescue Pointers
Finest practices for medical alert units and communication aids in outside settings.
Bodily Challenges of Older Hikers
Older hikers have diminishing bodily capabilities. There’s no technique to sugarcoat it. Whereas older hikers dwell longer than ever, they (together with myself) must adapt to growing older sensory capabilities, persistent well being points, decreased energy, or diminished motor capabilities. That doesn’t diminish their want to hike or backpack, though it typically requires some modifications to their targets. What are a few of the extra widespread obstacles they should overcome?
Listed here are the main age-related mountaineering and backpacking challenges that Voila AI reported.
- Diminished eyesight
- Decreased dexterity as a consequence of arthritis
- Decreased mobility as a consequence of arthritis, accidents, and put on and tear
- Listening to loss
- Elevated temperature sensitivity, significantly to the chilly
- Neuropathy
- Decreased sense of steadiness
- Lack of “cushioning” in joints
- Persistent well being points: diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart illness
- Thinning pores and skin and susceptibility to sunburn
- Fallen foot arches
- Bunions, hammer toes, and so forth.
Product Concepts/Modifications for Older Hikers
Viola AI writes that “The next checklist of product requests doesn’t copy from a single supply however synthesizes widespread themes, real-world suggestions, and sensible diversifications particularly related for older adults who need to proceed backpacking comfortably and safely.”
I hope some cottage corporations are studying this checklist as a result of there’s some low-hanging fruit in it that may make for some nice merchandise or product add-ons.
- Bigger buckles which might be simpler to see and manually alter on backpack lids, sternum straps, dry luggage, and pack lids.
- Outsized strap adjusters which might be bigger and straightforward to grip for arthritic or gloved palms.
- Bigger shows on digital units, together with Smartphone apps, satellite tv for pc messengers, and GPS items.
- Voice-controlled headlamps.
- Headlamps with bigger buttons which might be simpler to make use of with arthritic palms.
- Voice-controlled smartphone digicam.
- Non-crushable pockets for storing glasses in backpacks.
- Clearly marked medical/ID pack pocket: Labeled exterior pocket for medicines or emergency data.
- Huge zipper pulls and toggles: Straightforward to grip with weak palms or gloves.
- Water bottle holders angled for straightforward attain on packs: Positioned so bottles will be grabbed with out eradicating the pack.
- Mesh or trampoline-style again panels: Maintain air flowing in opposition to the again to cut back sweat and overheating.
- Reflective trim/accents on backpacks to enhance security in low-light or nightfall/daybreak circumstances.
- Arms-free GPS management and route steering by way of voice instructions to keep away from twiddling with buttons.
- Radios and communication units designed to pair seamlessly with listening to aids.
- Units that present audible or tactile affirmation when buttons are pressed accurately.
- Clear, loud audio cues for upcoming turns or path modifications to cut back reliance on visible screens.
- Piezo range igniters with large, tactile buttons which might be simpler to function with gloves or stiff fingers.
- Cooking utensils with thick, ergonomic handles: Simpler to carry with arthritic palms.
- Insulated mugs/cups with giant handles: Snug for delicate palms and retain warmth longer.
- Fast-connect gas canisters with no threading required: Scale back hand pressure..
- Clear, easy-to-read gas stage indicators.
- Pre-measured spice kits and meal packets with easy-tear packaging: Reduce nice motor duties like reducing or measuring.
- Good range timers with audible alerts for meal readiness.
- Massive, easy-grip zipper pulls or magnetic closures for doorways and vestibules.
- Sleeping pads with various firmness zones for hips, shoulders, and legs for higher spinal alignment.
- GPS units with large, high-contrast screens and huge fonts for simpler studying by these with declining eyesight.
- Smooth, contoured trekking pole grips which might be designed to suit pure hand shapes and scale back strain on joints.
- Constructed-in or attachable folding seats or stools built-in into or supported by trekking poles.
- Trekking poles with built-in lights or emergency alerts for visibility and security at evening.
- Constructed-in dampeners on trekking poles to cut back impression on wrists, elbows, and shoulders when strolling downhill or on onerous surfaces
- Shirts, jackets, and pants that includes Velcro or magnetic fasteners as an alternative of conventional buttons or zippers.
- Transportable basins with inflexible rims for laundry palms or small laundry at camp
- First help and hygiene product directions which might be printed in giant, clear fonts for these with imaginative and prescient challenges.
- Organized capsule organizers with each day doses pre-packed and clearly marked for ease of use on the path.
- Compact, pre-filled auto-injectors or allergy kits with easy directions for emergencies.
- First help kits with giant, shiny labels and compartments organized by damage sort for fast entry.
- Medical data playing cards: Waterproof playing cards saved in pack pockets containing medical historical past, allergy symptoms, and emergency contacts.
- Pre-Assembled Blister Kits that comprise all the required gadgets to wash, pad, and shield blisters in a single simple bundle.
- Pre-packaged meals and hydration options tailor-made to medical wants, akin to diabetes or coronary heart circumstances.
- Tailor-made first help kits together with gadgets for bronchial asthma, arthritis, or cardiac emergencies.
- Compact units with giant shows and easy controls for monitoring very important indicators, akin to blood strain and coronary heart fee
- Downloadable movies on first help strategies for offline viewing on smartphones.
- Massive-print guides or visible aids for managing persistent circumstances or accidents throughout outside actions.
- Battery-operated cooling wraps or heating pads for managing irritation or circulation points.
- Safe, weather-resistant instances designed for carrying insulin and diabetes care provides safely.
- Water reservoirs or bottles with built-in pockets for medicines or dietary supplements to make it simpler to stick to medicine schedules.
- Waterproof listening to aids that may be safely worn regardless of sweat or rain.
- Clothes with built-in ultraviolet safety to cut back solar harm with out further sunscreen purposes.
- Clothes handled to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and different bugs with no need sprays.
- Adjustable Sleeve and Pant Lengths: zip-off sleeves and pant legs for versatility in altering climate circumstances.
- Hats that present solar and rain safety for the face and neck with simple adjustment.
- Compression socks with broad openings for simpler dressing and undressing.
- Water Filtration programs that work with out pumping or squeezing, lowering hand fatigue and complexity.
- Maps printed with bigger fonts, symbols, and clearer distinction to accommodate decreased imaginative and prescient.
- Use of map colours which might be simpler to tell apart for these with colour imaginative and prescient deficiencies.
Parting Ideas
I feel there’s an actual have to accommodate the outside gear, clothes, well being, and vitamin wants of older hikers. Of the 60 million hikers and backpackers in the USA, over 25% are older than 55 (Werner, 2025). This represents an enormous market alternative with a person base that’s rising yearly and residing longer by the minute.
In case you’re an older hiker and backpacker, what age-related merchandise or product modifications would you prefer to see made to your mountaineering and backpacking gear?
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